Provide a CSV or XLS spreadsheet that contains the variable data.
The first row should contain the Variable Name of each column, eg “FirstName”.
Your spreadsheet needs the same number of rows as your print run, eg 1,000 rows for 1,000 copies.If your spreadsheet only has 500 rows, then only 500 copies will be printed.
When referring to an artwork layer to be visible, use a Variable Name prefix “Layer-“, eg Layer-Colour.
For variable text data, the name of each column must match the Variable Name used in your artwork.
To make a layer in your artwork visible, use the name of the Artwork Layer, eg fashion – will make the Artwork Layer named “fashion” visible.
Provide an Adobe InDesign INDD file, together with font files and linked images. In the InDesign menu File > Package you can easily create a package of all working files.
Insert variable text data into your artwork by using the Variable Name in your spreadsheet, surrounded by . Text variables are case sensitive, and should not include spaces.
When using variable text data, ensure you use the exact font, size and colour in your working file. Be mindful of how long or short the variable words are in your spreadsheet.
Artwork Layers can be made visible or invisible by using a layer name in your variable data spreadsheet. The Artwork Layer name must match the entry in the spreadsheet, eg The “green” Artwork Layer will be made visible when the spreadsheet entry is “green”.
Any Artwork Layers that are used in responsive design should be left invisible in your working file. Each layer will then be made visible for the appropriate entry.
Ensure your Artwork Layers are positioned in the correct order. Test the appearance of each variable data entry, to see how the design looks with the different layers visible.
